Crisis Averted! *Warning - long*

I think you're making a good decision. I had chosen to have my reception on La Barcaza because I was so disappointed with the costs for the reception at the Melia. And now this foolishness! Oh my! It's too bad because I think the Melia resort is just beautiful. We chose the resort because we had such a fabulous time there when we were there in 06.

If the fee is for the photographers, I'm sure they'll start fighting back. Who could afford that - it's more than we are paying for our photo package!

jennierin & erinleigh: I think the Jellyfish and the LaBarcaza are awesome choices and you both won't be disappointed. We walked past the Jellyfish a few times, it looked so neat, especially lit up at night. We did a sunset cruise with our guests on the LaBarcaza and loved the experience and the food. The Melia is gorgeous with its mature grounds and we received great service (review to follow later) all week long, but the stress over not being able to have the photographer you want for your wedding isn't worth it. When the drama happened in December, I was so upset and we considered switching resorts or probably would have changed the ceremony location if we hadn't gotten the permission we needed to use the photgraphy company we chose. I think the latest rule is going to hurt them especially in these tough economic times when people are pinching pennies and scrutinizing spending habits. Brides and grooms will think twice before booking if it is an extra thousand for the photographer you want and it only makes sense that photographers will have to increase their prices for shooting weddings there or drop the resort as a location that they shoot at.

I hope all works out for you both. Also, I do want to let you know during last week we noticed there were 2 plus weddings each day, on our day I think there were 3 or more. I hope it doesn't take too long for your coordinator to get back to you. Evelyn and Emy "Rose" were very sweet when we met them in person.

I hope everything works out for you. I was a Mexico bride but am thinking of switching to punta cana and having everything at the Jellyfish. They emailed me back 24 hours later too. I think it might be the spot Good luck with everything.

Hey Ladies- just an update - I sent an email to my wedding coordinator at the Melia, Laura.

She had asked me several questions about different things - one of them was whether I would be booking their photographer.

I answered all the questions, including the photography question and just slipped in that "I would be using HDC photo for my wedding and will just pay the required $95 day pass"

She wrote back and said thanks for my information and didnt mention anything about this "copyright fee". So I'm taking copies of all my correspondance with me when I go, just in case - but since I clearly stated I was using an outside photog and "just payint the $95 fee" - that's all I'll be paying!

glad you found a solution to your problem. and i know i saw a review on here with someone having a reception at the Jellyfish and it looked really nice. And I remember the girl said the food was great.

I'm glad to hear that erinleigh! I still haven't heard from the WC's regarding this issue but I am a happier bride sticking with the Jellyfish! At least this way I still may be able to do my TTD session at the Melia!

Danielle-I too have seen pics of the wedding setup and am so happy with it! The amazing thing is that they aren't charging me extra for my wedding colors or anything! I too have heard that the food is really good! I am really looking forward to having the wedding there!